> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Santa Monica Cyclists need to take heed
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-cyclists-need-to-take-heed-editor/
- Published: 2008-07-10T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T20:08:04.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Joseph Gius Santa Monica*

Regarding “Crosswalks that sting” (June 28-29, page 1), as an occasional pedestrian in Santa Monica and the Westside, I applaud the efforts of the SMPD to make the crosswalks safer. However, it seems to me that bicycles also pose a real danger to pedestrians, both on and off the sidewalks. It is ironic that I can usually cross at even an un-signalized intersection in relative safety as motor vehicles (including the dreaded SUV) dutifully stop. It would be foolish of me to rely on the same consideration from bicyclists who usually run stop signs and crosswalks. While bicycles might be a benign form of transportation, a crash between a bicycle and a pedestrian can be deadly.

As a motorist I find that bicycles are usually a hazard that I have to be aware of, and as a pedestrian I find they are usually a danger I have to be on guard for, one reason I often choose to drive even short distances.

In the best of all possible worlds streets would be made safe and friendly for both bicycles and pedestrians. But in the best of all possible worlds, bicycles and their operators would have to be licensed, carry liability insurance, and be subject to legal sanctions for infractions of the vehicle code the same as their motorized brethren. In the interim I hope our local constabulary will direct some of their attention to laws regarding bicycles.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 10, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/071008.pdf?ref=smdp.com)